In this welcome-back episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explains the unexpected hiatus that caused several months of episodes to temporarily disappear, sharing honest reflections on burnout, creative fatigue, and the need to recalibrate. Rather than pushing for constant growth, Evan introduces 2026 as a “stabilization year” for BLT — a chance to refine what already works, improve consistency, and rediscover the joy of creating the show.
Evan also walks listeners through a small but meaningful update to the show’s intro, retiring the voiceover while keeping the familiar BLT music intact. He invites listeners to help shape the future of the show by offering feedback, ideas, and even tagline suggestions.
The episode then shifts into tech coverage, starting with an in-depth accessibility-focused review of a recent Amtrak trip, highlighting strong tactile and Braille labeling on trains, mixed accessibility in sleeper car controls, and significant usability issues with Amtrak’s app and website. Evan also shares a standout accessibility feature from Chicago Union Station, where audible track number announcements made navigation intuitive and efficient.
Rounding out the episode is a robust tech news segment, including new features for Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley Vanguard glasses, Southwest Airlines’ integration with Apple Wallet, and a lighthearted Sandwich of the Week inspired by Chicago cuisine. Evan closes by previewing what he’s excited to follow in 2026 — from AI accessibility improvements to autonomous vehicles in Denver.
 
Key Topics & Segments
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The BLT hiatus: burnout, reflection, and creative reset
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2026 as a “stabilization year” for Blind Level Tech
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Intro update: retiring the voiceover, keeping the iconic music
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Listener feedback invitation and open communication
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Accessibility-focused Amtrak travel review
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Chicago Union Station’s audible track number system
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Meta smart glasses updates and new AI-powered features
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Southwest Airlines + Apple Wallet accessibility potential
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Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
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What Evan is watching in tech for 2026
 
00:00 – Welcome back & explaining the BLT hiatus
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03:30 – Stabilization vs. growth & creative burnout
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04:40 – Intro changes and future BLT direction
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05:01 – How to submit feedback & suggestions
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07:25 – CES thoughts & assistive tech podcast shoutout
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08:50 – Amtrak travel experience (accessibility review)
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12:07 – Sleeper car pros, cons, and tactile design
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16:55 – Chicago Union Station audible track numbers
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18:40 – Meta Ray-Ban & Oakley glasses feature updates
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24:04 – AI music matching & multilingual voice control
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26:26 – Southwest Airlines & Apple Wallet integration
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27:45 – Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog
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28:53 – Looking ahead to tech in 2026 & sign-off
 
Notable Tech News Highlights
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Meta Smart Glasses
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Find My Glasses (location-based)
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Hyperlapse and slow-motion video
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Adjustable video stabilization
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Direct sharing to Instagram & Facebook Stories
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Spotify-powered “play a song to go with my view”
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Multilingual music controls
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Oakley Vanguard-exclusive workout insights and vocal shortcuts
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Travel & Accessibility
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Amtrak trains praised for Braille labeling and comfort
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Amtrak app and website accessibility challenges
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Chicago Union Station’s audible track announcements
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Southwest Airlines tickets and flight info in Apple Wallet
 
Sandwich of the Week
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Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
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Spicy, crunchy, savory
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Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys bold flavors
 
Listener Feedback & Contact Information
We want to hear from you!
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General Feedback: [email protected]
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Direct Email: [email protected]
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Voicemail Line: 720-712-8856
(If emailing Evan directly, please CC [email protected] so your thoughts reach the whole team.)
 
Credits
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Host: Evan Starnes
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Producer: Jonathan Price
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Organization: Aftersight (formerly AINC)